Nico de Soto is one of those bartenders whose resume you get jealous of just looking at it. Mama Shelter. Experimental Cocktail Club. Curio Parlor. 69 Colebrooke Row. Happiness Forgets. How does one person even get to work at all of those bars? The answer is that he’s extremely talented, works harder than just about anyone else, and he deserves every second of it.

Born and raised in Paris, Nico began his career in his home town in 2005. But not even the magic of one of the world’s greatest cities could contain him and two years later he moved to Melbourne, Australia to work behind the bar there. And for a year he crafted libations and learned even more about the flavors of the world.

I was asking Nico about some of his Cherry Heering memories, and he told me this great one from 2009. He was working at the Cannes Film Festival for the distributor of Cherry Heering in France, and staying at the very lavish Hotel Martinez. We don’t really have hotels like the Hotel Martinez in the States. It’s extremely nice. So, naturally there were a ton of movie stars staying in the hotel as well. Anyway, to hear Nico describe it, he says that every time he walked out of the back door where a crowd was gathered to catch a glimpse of someone famous, the reaction of everyone was disappointment at his lack of fame.

But here’s the funny thing: Nico is one of the biggest celebrities in the bar business. I was watching television late one night and there he was, making cocktails with Martha Stewart. I open up a magazine, and there he is talking about clarified milk punches. He owns two of the best bars in the world, one of which (Danico, in Paris) is located in the historical Galerie Vivienne.

He’s passionate about cocktails, flavors, and food. His extensive travels have informed a colorful palate of flavors on the menu at his bars. He preaches sustainability in cocktails, not only in the ingredients he selects and the way he runs his bars, but in the lifestyle he approaches with balance. Nutrition and health are every bit as important to him as selling alcoholic beverages.

When we asked Nico to select a year he replied, without hesitation, that he’d like to celebrate the year 2015. It was a big year for Nico. Sure, in 2014 he was named the Most Influential French Bartender at the Cocktails Spirits Bar Show in Paris, and in 2017 he was in the Top Four for International Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. But on March 31, 2015 he opened his first bar, Mace, in New York City. Mr. De Soto specifically dreamed of opening a bar in New York, as it’s his favorite city. High praise from a man who’s visited 83 countries and worked in 31 of them.

The drink is a sort of tribute to the house signature cocktail, a drink called the Mace cocktail. Named after the bar and offered since opening, the Mace cocktail is one of the many house cocktails that are named after and inspired by exotic spices and flavors. The drink is a sort of exploration of the flavors of beet and aquavit, and uses mace to tie the whole thing together.

Nico wanted to create a Cherry Heering cocktail that incorporated beets and aquavit, but also pandan, a sweet, fragrant leaf used in much Asian cooking. Aquavit is combined with Cherry Heering, oloroso sherry, beet juice and pandan leaf, and the whole mixture is cooked sous vide for two hours to release the delicate flavors of the pandan into the cocktail. The mixture is then stirred with ice and strained into a chilled glass, and finally garnished with an orange twist. He names the drink 649East, which is Mace’s address in New York City.

It should come as no surprise that also in 2015, Playboy Magazine named Mace America’s Most Innovative Cocktail Concept. And I think that with this cocktail, the 649East, it’s clear to see how innovation and creativity flows through Nico De Soto. The world of cocktails is lucky to have him.

649 EAST, which is Mace´s address

2oz Aquavit

1/2oz Cherry Heering

1/4oz Oloroso Sherry

1/4oz Beet Juice

1 Pandan leaf

Mix all the ingredients together and cook sous vide for 2 hours at 50C

Stir in a mixing tin, then strain in Nick and Nora, garnish with an orange zest

Speed Rack came to New York City this weekend and it could not have been a better way to spend a Sunday. The competition was created for and by female bartenders to promote female bartenders. And, on top of that they also were amazing in raising some money for breast cancer research.

Some amazing drinks were on hand for sampling and being mixed with great selections such as Heering Liqueur and Xante. Conceived by New York Bartenders Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero , Speed Rack aims to promote women from coast-to-coast in an engaging, fun and fast way through a round robin style speed competition.

After a three-year hiatus, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic is returning in the spring of 2017

The event, founded in 2009, became one of the annual highlights of the New York dining and drinking calendar, attracting as many as 8,000 attendees for a series of parties and other events, topped by a boozy gala at the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue.

After 2014, the festival, created by spirits-industry professional Lesley Townsend Duval, was sold to another promoter, J.D. Albano, according to Ms. Duval.

A 2015 festival was planned but later canceled. Mr. Albano couldn’t be reached for comment.

Now, a new group of investors and organizers, headed by James Moreland, another spirits-industry veteran, has taken ownership of the event for an undisclosed sum, Mr. Moreland said. The festival is scheduled to return May 12, running until May 18, according to the group.

Mr. Moreland said the new Manhattan Cocktail Classic will continue its partying ways but will add a bigger trade component, connecting spirits brands with bar and restaurant professionals. The budget for the 2017 event will be in the seven figures, Mr. Moreland added, with about 80 to 100 spirits brands represented.

While the festival had long competed with Tales of the Cocktail, a New Orleans event for the bar and spirits industry, Mr. Moreland said he believes it can hold its own because of New York’s importance in the cocktail world.

“This is where all the trends start,” he said.

Art Sutley, publisher of Bar Business Magazine, a New York-based trade journal that has signed on to be a sponsor of the relaunched Manhattan Cocktail Classic, echoed that view.

It is early evening in Berlin. I arrived in Germany this morning from New York on a mission: to find the world’s reigning mixology genius when it comes to the Singapore Sling. And by mid-evening New York time, the world will know!

I have been at the annual Berlin Bar Show all day, “warming up” my palate. It is an extraordinary collection of bar products from all over the world: drinks, mixers, bar accessories, etc. But the highlight of my day was the 3:30 PM talk that paved the way for tonight’s Singapore Sling contest, which is sponsored by Peter Heering, the Danish company that since 1818 has been producing Heering Cherry Liqueur, an essential ingredient of the Singapore Sling.

The 3:30 talk was given by David Wondrich, the rock star of all contemporary mixology rock stars. He presented a compelling history of the Singapore Sling, finding its roots in old English “punches,” then on to American “slings” of the19th century, then on to the variations devised in Singapore in the early 1900s which became known as the Singapore Sling.

Wondrich’s thesis was a wonderful set-up for tonight’s contest. He told us that gin and cherry liqueur are the two absolutes of a Singapore Sling…but went on to point out that because there is such variety in Singapore Slings, it is “really a class of drinks rather than one drink.”

Perfect. Because here’s what the Peter Heering company did in advance of tonight’s contest: they spent the year looking for brilliant new Singapore Slings that fit within the “class.” Their international panel considered over 1000 drinks, devised by leading mixologists from 44 countries. Then they selected the top five Singapore Slings…and brought all of the creators to Berlin today, so they could sling ‘em at a panel of judges tonight. I am proud to be one of those judges…and I am confident that by 7PM EST tonight, we will have found the best damn Singapore Sling in the world today. Make that the universe.

Here are the five contestants, where they’re from, and the Sling variant each one has created:

…. Recipes to try: Last month, at the Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, I got to judge cocktails along with Charles Joly, of the James Beard Award winning bar, The Aviary in Chicago. The goal was to help pick some of the world’s best spins on the classic Singapore Sling.

Two cocktails stood out for me, and I included the recipes below for the home mixologists to try.

September — 2012 (New York, NY) — CHERRY HEERING® liqueur, one of the first global brands and the original cherry brandy of choice by bartenders worldwide, has become an indispensable component of trendsetting and classic cocktails and none more famous than the Singapore Sling – and now the best of the best US versions of the Sling will be created at Donatella in New York City as a part of the 2012 Heering Sling Award.

The spectacularly cool and chic Donatella bar and restaurant atmosphere will be the ultimate accessory for the 2012 Heering Sling Award US finalist event. 10 US finalists will be selected abroad by experts from Peter F. Heering Company and then submitted to the final All-Star judging panel in New York City. This elite group includes James Beard Nominee and multi national restaurant award recipient, Donatella Arpaia, one of the leading figures in the culinary world, spirit expert Dale DeGroff a.k.a., King Cocktail, Celebrity Chef Rob McCue, Star of Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen & Chef Roble & Co. in New York City and rounded out by H. Joseph Ehrmann, named 2010 bartender of the year by Nightclub & Bar Magazine and a link to San Francisco mixological history, running Elixir, the second-oldest saloon in San Francisco.

The Donatella led panel will look for the most intriguing Sling cocktail inspired by the original Singapore Sling based on taste, interpretation of theme, the cocktail name, presentation and overall look.

This esteemed culinary and cocktail gathering will select one US winner and will receive a trip to Berlin to present his/hers contribution with three European winners at the Bar Convent Berlin, BCB on Oct 9-10th.

Donatella & the 2012 Heering Sling Award

As the most important contribution to the legendary Singapore Sling, CHERRY HEERING® liqueur has established itself as an accessory that adds lavishness, extravagance and civilization to the cocktail mix and is looking for the best bar talent in the world to re-write cocktail history by creating their version of the Sling using CHERRY HEERING® liqueur.
The Sling is one of the oldest beverages in general and was created in 1915 featuring CHERRY HEERING® liqueur as the main ingredient. Bartender Niang Tong Boon created the most famous and now classic recipe of the Singapore Sling at the Raffle’s Hotel in Singapore.
Full rules and to enter your recipe visit www.heering.com between August 15th & September 15th or to receive more information by email please contact info@heering.com

ABOUT HEERING

CHERRY HEERING® liqueur, purveyor to H.M. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, H.M. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, has been produced since 1818 and is the original Cherry Brandy.

CHERRY HEERING® liqueur is sold in more than 100 countries all over the world and is the essential ingredient in the world famous Singapore Sling and classic Blood and Sand cocktails. A present day classic has recently been introduced, created around CHERRY HEERING® liqueur, The Copenhagen, duly named after the capital of Denmark, inspired by other cocktails representing iconic cities, for example “The Manhattan”.

COFFEE HEERING® liqueur is made from a recipe using only natural ingredients and with no additives or artificial coloring. The base is a smotth blend of Caribbean rum, coffee and cacao. COFFEE HEERING® liqueur can be enjoyed after dinner after dinner as a digestive or as a base for cocktails and long drinks,

The National Bar & Dining Rooms spectacular bar setting and atmosphere is the ultimate accessory for the 2012 Heering Sling Award, 10 US finalists will be selected abroad by experts from Peter F. Heering Company and then submitted to the final All-Star judging panel in New York City. This elite group includes James Beard Wine & Spirits Professional Award Winner, Geoffrey Zakarian, Winner of the Food Networks Next Iron Chef – Super Chefs and one of the leading figures in the culinary world, spirit expert Dale DeGroff a.k.a., King Cocktail, Celebrity Chef Rob McCue, Star of Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen & Chef Roble & Co. in New York City and rounded out by H. Joseph Ehrmann from the famed Elixir Bar in San Francisco.

CHERRY HEERING® ANNOUNCES A CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR THE 2012 HEERING SLING AWARD IN BERLIN GERMANY
The iconic 1818 cherry liqueur is offering an incredible opportunity to present YOUR version of the Sling

August — 2012 (New York, NY) — CHERRY HEERING® liqueur, one of the first global brands and the original cherry brandy of choice by bartenders worldwide, has become an indispensable component of trendsetting and classic cocktails and none more famous than the Singapore Sling.

CHERRY HEERING® liqueur proudly announced in New York City today a call for entries for the 2012 Heering Sling Award culminating this October 9th & 10th, 2012 at the Bar Convent Berlin.

As the most important contribution to the legendary Singapore Sling, CHERRY HEERING® liqueur has established itself as an accessory that adds lavishness, extravagance and civilization to the cocktail mix and is looking for the best bar talent in the world to re-write cocktail history by creating their version of the Sling using CHERRY HEERING® liqueur.

”The 2012 Heering Sling Award brings an all time bartender favorite in the Singapore Sling front and center challenging their creative bar talents while keeping true to Cherry Heering liqueur ”, said, Adele Robberstad, CEO of Peter F Heering. “ Cherry Heering liqueur continues to be top of mind for the most talented and unique bartenders in the world, they have all helped bring back Cherry Heering liqueur and this competition is for them”

One US contestant will be chosen in New York City by an esteemed panel of judges and flown to Berlin, Germany to compete in the finals, at the 2012 Heering Sling Award sponsored by Mixology Magazine a leading European trade publication.
The Sling is one of the oldest beverages in general and was created in 1915 featuring CHERRY HEERING® liqueur as the main ingredient. Bartender Niang Tong Boon created the most famous and now classic recipe of the Singapore Sling at the Raffle’s Hotel in Singapore.
Full rules and to enter your recipe visit www.heering.com between August 15th & September 15th or to receive more information by email please contact info@heering.com

ABOUT HEERING

CHERRY HEERING® liqueur, purveyor to H.M. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, H.M. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, has been produced since 1818 and is the original Cherry Brandy.

CHERRY HEERING® liqueur is sold in more than 100 countries all over the world and is the essential ingredient in the world famous Singapore Sling and classic Blood and Sand cocktails. A present day classic has recently been introduced, created around CHERRY HEERING® liqueur, The Copenhagen, duly named after the capital of Denmark, inspired by other cocktails representing iconic cities, for example “The Manhattan”.

COFFEE HEERING® liqueur is made from a recipe using only natural ingredients and with no additives or artificial coloring. The base is a smotth blend of Caribbean rum, coffee and cacao. COFFEE HEERING® liqueur can be enjoyed after dinner after dinner as a digestive or as a base for cocktails and long drinks,

On Monday, May 16th, the Lifestyle and Charity crew attended the Heering Goes Mad (Men) cocktail competition held at the Ogilvy & Mather building. This event is one of many participating in the Manhattan Cocktail Classic Festival taking place throughout New York City, Brooklyn and Queens from May 13th-17th. It was quite the Mad Men Era themed event!

The main bar mixologists served up quite the dapper inspired cocktails using the featured Xante’ Liqueur and Coffee Heering Liqueur, Cherry Heering Liqueur that included:
Betty Draper’s Breakfast – Bloody Mary
The Three Martini Lunch – Classic Martini
The Expense Account – Manhattan
The Richard “Dick” Whitman – Side Car

Xanté Company & Peter F. Heering announced to a full house which cocktail would most likely to intrigue Don Draper after work at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic event, Heering Goes Mad (Men) held Monday at Ogilvy & Mather. The Sour Cherry Sidecar created by Bartender, Stacy Nikkila of New York City’s Boom Boom Room was the ultimate winning liquid combo consisting of Cherry Heering, Cognac and fresh lime juice.

Competition was spirited and steep with On the Rocks champ and Chicago bar man, Charles Joly, Xavier Herit of New York’s acclaimed resto, Daniel and Founder of The Bar Academy, Jamie Stephenson.

“The incredible and inspired amount of various Cherry Heering, Coffee Heering and Xanté recipes submitted was truly thrilling to see”, said Adéle Robberstad, CEO, The Xanté Company/Peter F. Heering. “Stacy’s winning cocktail embodies the smart simplicity that can be achieved using Cherry Heering for both bartenders and consumers alike.”

The prize awarded to Stacy Nikkila for taking the top spot with her take on the Side Car, will be a featured in Elle Magazine International, Gotham Magazine as well as inclusions in OK! Magazine and The Robb Report.

• You have until May 4 to enter the Heering Goes Mad(Men) cocktail competition. Presented by Xante and Peter F. Heering, the competition is seeking stylish twists on classics such as the Sidecar and the Whiskey Sour. Four finalists will serve their cocktails at an exclusive rooftop event at Ogilvy & Mather (the depicted home of the Mad Men agency and where it all began) in New York City on May 16th as a part of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. The winner receives features in Elle International, Gotham Magazine, and OK! The winner also snags some Orrefors Glassware to compliment their winning cocktail, a private meet and greet with chef Geoffrey Zakarian and cocktail icon Sasha Petraske in New York City. To enter, email your recipe (must include at least 1 oz. of Xante, Cherry Heering or Coffee Heering) and a photo of your drink to: